Domaine des Roches Neuves has become a benchmark producer from this tiny winemaking region of Saumur-Champigny, harvesting completely by hand in over 30 parcels, all of which are vinified separately. While yields of most properties average upwards of 60 hectoliters per hectare, Roches Neuves averages just shy of 30, with some bottlings as low as 15. The difference in flavor, color, ageability, and complexity is enormous. By farming biodynamically and using only limited amount of natural fertilizers, Thierry is able to “manage” what are, in essence, “wild” vines which produce miniscule amounts of fruit. While others are pumping as much synthetic fertilizer into their vineyard as possible to reach the highest potential yields, Thierry Germain is going the other direction, using his compost only when necessary, and asking the vines to suffer to produce much, much less fruit. The end results are stunning.